‘Human Nature’ is the latest offering from the Canadian rockers who have proven to be quite prolific since releasing their self-titled debut back in 1991. Never a band to take an extended hiatus if you include the albums issued under the name Rubber this is their eleventh studio album in sixteen years and there have also been various solo releases to fill in the gaps.

So, eleven albums into their career have they still got the drive and ambition to make a decent album and scale new peaks? On this evidence, the answer is most definitely yes. ‘Human Nature’ sets the standard for all other melodic rock albums that will follow throughout the rest of the year. From the opening guitar sound of the title track to the closing anthem ‘Tomorrow May Be Gone’ this is an album that simply has class etched all over it with high quality production, top drawer songwriting and a band that are simply on excellent form.

After the glorious uplifting opener its full steam ahead with ‘Next Time Around’ that features superb harmonies and showcases Harry’s vocals to some effect and this is followed by the grittier ‘Caught Up In Your World’ with Pete having the opportunity to deliver a driving riff. We might only be three songs in but this is already shaping up to be a truly remarkable record and the quality is maintained with the huge ballad ‘Hanging On’ that is high on emotion and passion. A big and punchy anthem, ‘Give Love / Get Love’ is a Queen song in all but name, from the structure itself to the harmonies in the chorus and the timing and position of the guitar solo. A great song and one that Queen fans will love.

With all of the melodies and harmonies that have gone before the album takes something of a detour with the broody rocker ‘21’ which has a more contemporary guitar sound from Pete and its inclusion provides the album with greater depth. It’s business as usual with the next track, ‘Starlight’ that has a powerful chorus and is a solid melodic rocker. ‘Going Under’ is the one track that really passed me by, its style is apparently more in keeping with the material that was released as Rubber rather than Harem Scarem and it is probably the one song that could have been cut from the final selection without you really noticing. Fortunately the album doesn’t tail off altogether as the closing ‘Tomorrow May Be Gone’ is an absolute jewel, a soaring anthem that brings the whole thing to a majestic conclusion.

As you will have guessed by now this comes highly recommended and if you are fan of melodic rock it is pretty much an essential purchase.

Already available in some territories, ‘Human Nature’ is released across Europe on January 12th and for additional information check out www.haremscarem.net

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Track List

Human Nature
Next Time Around
Caught Up In Your World
Reality
Hanging On
Don't Throw It Away
Give Love Get Love
21
Starlight
Going Under
Tomorrow May Be Gone

Line UP

Harry Hess -Vocals/Guitars
Pete Lesperance - Guitars/
Creighton Doane - Drums
Barry Donaghy - Bass